Scientific background, clinical use, and significance for cognitive monitoring.
Daily skills provide important signals about cognitive functioning
The A-IADL is a scientifically validated questionnaire that measures these skills
The questionnaire is used in research and clinical diagnostics
Simplicity and recognition make repeated measurement possible
Within Remind, A-IADL forms an essential part of the personal brain profile
Combining multiple measurements provides a more reliable picture of brain health
A-IADL stands for Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. It is a scientifically developed questionnaire that measures how someone functions in daily, more complex activities.
The questions are about, among other things:
managing money and administration
planning and organizing
household tasks
use of digital means
independently arranging appointments
These activities require multiple cognitive skills at the same time, such as memory, attention, and planning. This is precisely why the A-IADL is sensitive to subtle changes in cognitive functioning.
The outcome is not a diagnosis, but a score that shows how someone is functioning and how this develops over time.
The A-IADL was developed at the Amsterdam University Medical Center
The A-IADL was developed by researchers at Amsterdam UMC and is used internationally in scientific research and memory clinics.
Multiple studies show that changes in daily skills:
can occur early in cognitive decline
are associated with the risk of dementia
are relevant for monitoring disease progression
A frequently cited publication is that of Sikkes et al. in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, demonstrating that the A-IADL is a valid and reliable way to measure daily functioning in various stages of cognitive decline.
In healthcare, the A-IADL is often used as a supplement to cognitive tests because it better shows how someone functions in daily life.
The strength of the A-IADL lies in its simplicity. The questionnaire:
is quick and easy to fill out
aligns with recognizable everyday situations
does not require medical knowledge
Precisely because the questions are about ordinary activities, small changes are often easily recognized by people themselves or their surroundings. This makes the A-IADL suitable for repeated use without becoming burdensome.
Daily skills form an important indicator in brain health. They demonstrate how cognitive processes come together in daily life.
Research shows that changes in this domain often:
occur gradually
only later lead to clear complaints
can be well monitored with repeated measurements
Therefore, this domain is valuable for monitoring over time. Not to draw conclusions based on a single moment, but to make patterns visible.
Daily skills are an important indicator area within brain health.
Example of the A-IADL questionnaire in the Remind app
Remind combines multiple domains to better understand changes in brain health.
Remind distinguishes itself through a multi-modal approach. Cognitive changes do not manifest in one way and not in a single test.
By combining multiple signals, such as:
daily skills
memory tests
speech analysis
lifestyle and behavior
a richer and more reliable picture of brain health emerges. No single measurement stands alone, but together they enhance the interpretation.
The A-IADL questionnaire provides a scientifically validated and accessible way to track daily skills. Combined with other measurements, this helps to better understand changes in brain health over time.
Not to make diagnoses, but to provide insight and better support the conversation with healthcare professionals.
Are you interested in the other assessments we offer at Remind? Read more here:
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